Curious About Emergency Contraception?

If you've recently had unprotected sex, you may have many thoughts running through your head.

What if I'm pregnant?

What if he had an STD?

What if he gave it to me?

What if . . . ?

The "What Ifs" can be very scary.

You have probably heard about the morning-after pill or emergency contraception. Before you consider taking it, be sure you understand what it is, how it works and how it may affect you.

What is the Morning-After Pill?

The morning-after pill is a drug that is intended to be taken as soon as possible within the first 72 hours after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

It contains a high dose of progesterone (levonorgestrel), which is found in many kinds of birth control pills.

At the dosage found in the morning-after pill, this drug may work on rare occasions to prevent an embryo from implanting in the uterus.1

It is often referred to by the brand name of Plan B® and has been reformulated and renamed Plan B One-Step®. It is now taken as a single dose tablet. (A two dose generic form is also available.)2

How Does the Morning-After Pill Work

It is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation (so the egg is not released) or fertilization. In addition, it may inhibit implantation of an embryo by irritating the lining of the uterus.

Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant.

Plan B One-Step® does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

The manufacturer warns that Plan B One-Step® is not recommended for routine use as a contraceptive.

Side Effects of the Morning-After Pill

As with any medication, there are possible side effects that include:

Nausea and vomiting

Cramping and abdominal pain - this can mask the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy which is a medical emergency and requires emergency care (see note below)

Fatigue

Headache

Dizziness

Breast tenderness

Menstrual changes, irregular and unpredictable menstrual periods

NOTE: An ectopic pregnancy can be a life-threatening condition because the fertilized egg implants somewhere outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. The morning-after pill does not end an ectopic pregnancy. If you have severe abdominal pain three to five weeks after using the morning-after pill, see your doctor immediate to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. If the embryo is growing in the fallopian tube it can result in a life-threatening emergency when the tube ruptures.

What Happens if I Use Emergency Contraception After Fertilization?

The high dose of levonorgestrel found in the morning-after pill may irritate the lining of the uterus. That irritation may keep the embryo inside you from implanting, ending its life. If this happens, an abortion will occur, because each human life begins as an embryo.3

After the sperm penetrates and fertilizes the egg, 46 human chromosomes come together in a one-of-a kind genetic design that determines a person's eye and hair color, gender, skin tone, height and even the intricate swirl of the fingerprints.4

Think carefully before you use emergency contraception, and make sure you understand the side effects and risks.

Be Informed

Before you decide to take the morning after pill, make an appointment to speak with one of our client advocates and get your questions answered.

Does it work?

What are the risks?

How will it affect me?

What if I am already pregnant?

Am I at risk for an STD?

What if I've taken it before or need it again?

These are great questions to ask and New Beginnings offers real answers and real help.

We Can Help

Our staff understands where you are and we listen with compassion, not judgment. New Beginnings has no financial interest in your pregnancy because we do not perform abortions or arrange adoptions. We respect your right to privacy. All communication is confidential. And all our services are free.